Michael Merrill Design Studio created this space for a retired couple who wanted to create a compact living space in San Francisco to winter in half of each year. The building they chose was a lovely 1936 Art Deco structure facing the San Francisco Bay. Their interest is in Asian artifacts and culture, hence the many objects and elements from those regions, mixed with Art Deco elements. As always, we placed a great deal of emphasis on the backgrounds: window coverings, wall finishes, floor finishes, and rugs. Once the background is right, whatever you bring into the home will sparkle. (2010) Photos © Paul Dyer Photography